Life as a Local Democracy Reporter
Top tips for journalists interested in becoming a LDR
There are 165 LDR roles across the UK.
LDRs are funded by the BBC, but employed and managed by regional news organisations.
By following the links below, you can find out about more as life as a Local Democracy Reporter, what qualifications are required and how you can apply.
In this video, Local Democracy Reporters Gurdip Thandi, Maria Zaccaro and Danielle Andrews share their views on the role.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. It’s like a franchise: different companies with different approaches, but using common editorial standards and all publishing into the same system.
Local Democracy Reporters should have good writing skills, up-to-date legal knowledge, and shorthand proficiency.
Ideal candidates should have a National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ), or similar, or a minimum of two years’ experience as a reporter in a daily news environment and/or working to daily news deadlines. High-quality trainee reporters may also be considered for vacancies where appropriate.
Local Democracy Reporters should have the required skills to communicate on social media, and have the ability to work under pressure and identify priorities.
They should also be familiar with digital tools and techniques across a range of mobile devices, proficient in taking images, shooting video and gathering audio, and have strong contact-building skills.
They should also, of course, have a passion for local government and understand the importance of delivering trusted, accurate and impartial stories.
Local Democracy Reporter roles are available across the whole of the United Kingdom, covering every top-tier local authority area.
The full list of media organisations that employ Local Democracy Reporters can be seen here.
No. While LDR roles are funded by the BBC, the reporters are employed by, and managed by, approved newsrooms from across the UK's regional media.
Vacancies are advertised by each organisation looking to fill available positions, either on their own platforms or via the trade press.
Links to advertised roles will also be posted here when available, but please note that this may not be not an exhaustive list.
Current vacancies include:
JPI Media:
Local Democracy Reporter (North Northamptonshire Council and Rutland)
Local Democracy Reporter (West Northamptonshire Council)
Local Democracy Reporter (Scarborough)
Local Democracy Reporter (Southampton)
Newsquest:
Local Democracy Reporter (Wiltshire)
Reach Plc: